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Best Top-Loading Water Coolers

Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Primo T261 Deluxe Water Dispenser
Primo
T261 Deluxe Water Dispenser
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Bottom Line

A streamlined top-load water cooler that offers a combination of great performance and energy efficiency.

Pros

Filterless design means the water cooler is easy to maintain and clean. Compatible with a variety of round and square bottle sizes. Comes with a built-in nightlight for low-light environments. Hot, cold, and cool spouts.

Cons

Water pressure can start to fluctuate as the inside starts to need maintenance or cleaning.

Best Bang for the Buck
Primo T151 Water Dispenser
Primo
T151 Water Dispenser
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Bottom Line

A water cooler that has a simple design and is easy to set up for use around the office or home.

Pros

Dual hot and cold water spouts for drinks, soups, and food. Can independently power down the hot water function to save more energy. Includes a child safety lock on the hot water button.

Cons

Getting the refill bottle in place can require more than one person when securing the bottle on.

Avalon Premium Hot/Cold Water Cooler
Avalon
Premium Hot/Cold Water Cooler
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Bottom Line

A good premium option for a top-loading water cooler that comes with hot and cold spouts.

Pros

Separate hot and cold spouts make the water cooler ideal for drinking and meals. The smaller body is just the right size to fit on a counter top near waist height.

Cons

The cooling properties of the water cooler are lackluster, producing temperatures just below room temp.

Brio CL500 Water Cooler
Brio
CL500 Water Cooler
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Bottom Line

A full-length top-loading water cooler with a well-made cabinet stand to be put anywhere.

Pros

Long and narrow profile is ideal for small, tight floor spaces. Durable plastic exterior will resist impacts and dents common in normal home, work, and office environments.

Cons

Hot and cold water temperatures are barely above or below water out of the tap.

Avalon Water Cooler Dispenser
Avalon
Water Cooler Dispenser
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Bottom Line

An energy efficient hot and cold water top-loading water dispenser.

Pros

Top-loading mechanism can handle 3 and 5 gallon bottles and is easy to load. Large paddle spouts make it easy and convenient to fill up a cup with a single hand. Hot water spout has a child-safety lock to avoid burns.

Cons

The hot water can be the point of near boiling, creating a safety hazard for younger children.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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30
Models
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60
Consumers
Consulted
24
Hours
Researched
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The team that worked on this review
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